Can I Come to Canada with a Criminal Record?

By Michael Niren June 8, 2015 (Updated January 7, 2020) 2 min. read

(Below is a transcription of this video)

Can I come to Canada with a criminal record? We get a lot of people asking us, what if I have a criminal record? Can I still get a visa? Can I enter Canada? Hello everyone, my name is Hishgee Bessey of visaplace.com. If you’re planning to apply for a permanent or a temporary status in Canada and you were charged or convicted of a criminal offense, you maybe found inadmissible to Canada. That means you can’t get in. Even if you are from a visa exempt country, you will be denied entry at the airport or at the land border if you are found inadmissible. This could be a problem especially if you are into your trip and spend money and time to travel. More importantly, you may not be able to attend the urgent and/or important matter. If you do not deal with your criminality, you should prior to your arrival.

Traveling to Canada with a Criminal Record

If you’re charged of any crime outside Canada regardless whether you’re charged was withdrawn or pardoned and you had a conditional sentence, you may be found inadmissible to Canada. But there’s a hope, depending on the nature of your visit and trip, and available time to address the concern, there are two options.

Applying for a Temporary Resident Permit

Option 1, for people who intend to visit Canada urgently due to work related matter or emergency family issues etc. If you’re in a such situation, you may be able to address your inadmissibility at the airport or at the Canadian consulate by submitting a temporary resident permit application or known as TRP. As the name suggests, it is a temporary solution and may allow you to enter Canada only once.

Criminal Rehabilitation Application

Second option, is criminal rehabilitation application, will allow you to remove your inadmissibility to Canada from your records, so in the future you may be able to travel to Canada with no obstruction. These applications are submitted to the consulate or visa office overseas, and it may take many months for processing. But if you approach this solution as permanent, if you have a past criminal record and want to cross the border, I suggest you to consider consulting immigration professionals to avoid any complication that may arise during the processing.

I hope my video was helpful and if you liked it, please click like and subscribe for more Canadian immigration videos.

Are You Interested in Traveling to Canada With a Criminal Record?

Normally, if you have a criminal record, you will not be allowed to enter Canada, unless you know how to prepare the ‘right’ paperwork. If you have a ‘reason’ to travel to Canada that is justified in the circumstances, you may be issued a temporary resident permit (TRP). The big question is, do you know how fill a TRP application? Although its possible to file the application on your own, we do not recommend it.

At Visaplace, we have assisted a lot people to successfully attain a TRP so they can visit, work, or study in Canada and we are certain we can help you too!

Getting started is easy, simply fill our free online immigration assessment form here and we will get back to you (within 24 hours) to discuss your options.

Ljiljana Pavkov Avatar

Ljiljana Pavkov

I have nothing but praise! The entire team was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and kind, especially Mansi Sanghiv. She patiently explained everything I needed to know and resolved all of my concerns. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the entire process. I am extremely satisfied with the service and experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for quality, dedication, and trust.

Lisanne Cholette Avatar

Lisanne Cholette

Mansi has been helping me navigate through a new chapter in my life. It has been a huge comfort to be able to lean on her knowledge and expertise and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

BERLITA COLLADO Avatar

BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

Shahrzad Sh Avatar

Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

kevin geoffrey Avatar

kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

Nessie Leigh Ilarde Avatar

Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

parker ellis Avatar

parker ellis

Mansi Sanghvi has been nothing for of remarkable for me. I have been dealing with a visa, immigration issues , and any time I have to call her, she has been there to answer any questions. Has answers to every question and is there to HELP YOU. Truly could not recommend her more.